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The state of cricket: work to do but new blood coming through

Darren Berry

BOBBY Quiney's call-up out of the blue to the baggy green is yet another great story of belief that with hard work and persistence dreams can come true.

Quiney earned his chance, and although his first-class average of 37 is only moderate, many good judges believe he will cut the mustard at Test level if given the time. He has a solid technique, plays equally well on the front and back foot and scores to most parts of the ground.

Quiney aside there are a few other players to keep an eye on for the future of Australian cricket.

Victoria shifted its focus a few years ago from winning titles to producing more Australian players and this current Test is a testament to that decision - four players out of 12 is a good return.

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The Vics have plenty of others to watch. Batsman and back-up keeper Peter Handscomb will have to bide his time but has shown glimpses of his capabilities. His time at the top will come.

Leg-spinner James Muirhead is still learning his craft but has amazing skill in his fingers and wrist. Hopefully he will get an opportunity in the starting XI before the summer is done. The Bushrangers must pick him and nurture him for the future of Australian cricket. If they don't, I know a team across the border that surely will.

Tasmania has punched above its weight for some time now. Its depth has always been a big concern but a young batsman of quality has recently emerged. Alex Doolan is probably next in line if a Test batting position opens up in the next 12 months. His innings of 161 not out against South Africa just over a week ago confirmed him as a genuine contender.

Doolan has a solid technique and, unlike many of today's players, he enjoys batting for long periods. The fast-food batsmen of Twenty20 cricket may well be gobbled up by the maturing Doolan.

In Adelaide, new boy Daniel (Sir Frank) Worrall has excited locals since making the move from Melbourne Premier club last season. This kid can really bowl. He has a natural, old-fashioned angled approach to the wicket and generates good pace.

Travis Head, just 18, is a left-handed batsman with an amazing eye. He reminds me a lot of a young Darren Lehmann.

He is a crisp, clean striker of the ball and has a touch of arrogance about the way he plays.

Kane Richardson is an exciting all-rounder, a fast bowler who bats a bit. He is still finding his way but may prove to be the genuine all-rounder we have longed craved.

Queensland, amazingly, has no one in the Test team, but has a couple of bright lights to monitor closely.

Joe Burns is a class act and was unlucky to miss selection in the recent Australia A game. As a batsman who accumulates runs with ease, he may well come into calculations for the Ashes touring party next winter.

Fast bowler Michael Neser is the sleeping giant of Australian cricket. South African-born but reared in Brisbane, he has yet to realise his true potential and is struggling to find a regular game in a winning Bulls side. Neser hits the bat hard and hits the ball equally as hard. He may well rise to prominence is this summer's Big Bash with the Adelaide Strikers.

Western Australia has been in turmoil and I was saddened to see coach Lachlan Stevens depart in messy circumstances.

The super-talented Mitch Marsh must wake up quickly before it's all over. He is a star who has lost his twinkle. A little-known player worthy of watching is young left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff, who was very impressive last week against Victoria. He is growing in confidence and has some serious skill with the ball.

The NSW Blues have been the biggest supplier of players to the Test team for decades and exporter of fine talent to most of the smaller states these days. Many have recently left but that state will keep producing.

They Blues have an endless supply of talent. Strapping young quick Josh Hazelwood has been the beneficiary of the latest Patrick Cummins breakdown.

Hazelwood has been in Brisbane with the Test team and is earmarked for bigger things. Don't be surprised if he appears in the Perth Test in a few weeks. He is the real deal.

A player who has hit a flat spot recently in opening batsman Nic Maddinson, but this column remains an ardent supporter.

Maddinson reminds me so much of Mark Taylor. A strong left-hander with a sound technique, he will one day play for his country. He has recently fallen behind others in the pecking order but will one day return at the top of the list.

Former Victorian and South Australian wicketkeeper Darrren Berry is the coach of SA.